Rats, bats and creepy-crawlies to star in new Dudley Zoo attraction

The interactive medieval experience featuring live animals is currently under construction in the 11th century Dudley Castle, at the heart of the zoo.

Castle Creatures, which is due to open next Easter, will tell the story of the Earl of Dudley's family, explain the history of the castle and house a series of animal exhibits.

Bosses said it will transform the zoo's interpretation centre which has not been updated since it was built 20 years ago.

Dudley Zoo Group chief executive Peter Suddock described it as 'a most exciting concept.'

He said: "Staff have worked alongside designers to create an authentic experience for visitors. The lay-out includes a unique interactive screen whereby visitors can create their own animals from a gene pool, plus a huge board game telling the story of thriving animals and those facing extinction in the modern world.

"It is two decades since our last interpretation exhibit was constructed and the world has changed a lot in that time.

"Visitors now expect lively interactive displays and immediate facts at their fingertips and we hope this installation will bring the Dudley Castle experience closer to our core visitors while uniting castle and zoo life."

The six-month construction project, supported by cash from the European Regional Development Fund, got under way in September but work has now been halted in order to install Santa's grotto, which opens to the public on December 2.

The new attraction will set the zoo in its historic location, telling the story from the castle's origins in 1070 through to the present day, focusing on how people in medieval times lived in close proximity with species like rats and bats. Features will include a grill where visitors can inhale authentic smells of the day.

The zoo's head of media Jill Hitchman said the scheme has been a long time in the making.

"The whole project goes back 18 months from coming up with the idea to working out what we can and can't do. It's been good to see it coming together in the last few weeks.

"We've got all the graphics up but we've had to board them over for the time being as the place will soon be over-run with elves and nodding reindeer. But work will start again in January."

She said that one of the highlights of the new revamped centre would be a 'gene splicer' aimed at young visitors who will be able to 'create' their own animals in a touch-screen activity.

She said: "I came up with a 'tiguin', a creature with a tiger's head and penguin's feet. It will never walk but it was fun to do."